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    Home » Chicken & Poultry

    Crockpot BBQ Chicken

    Published: May 21, 2021 / Updated: May 12, 2023 / 28 Comments

    This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my affiliate disclosure for more details.

    Jump to Recipe

    This Crockpot BBQ chicken recipe has tender pulled chicken that's coated in a delicious sweet and smoky BBQ sauce. It's quick to prepare in just 10 minutes and makes the best sandwiches!

    You might also like my BBQ Chicken French Bread Pizza if you're a fan of these flavors.

    Crockpot BBQ chicken in a bun with coleslaw

    Why you'll love it

    Slow cooker BBQ chicken is tasty any time of year, but using your Crockpot in warmer months is great because it doesn't heat up your kitchen and is easy and hands-off to make. Enjoy those classic smoky BBQ flavors even if you don't own a BBQ!

    Our kitchen loves making fall-apart tender pulled chicken sandwiches and eating them out on the deck or in the backyard. There's nothing much better than pairing pulled chicken with cool, creamy coleslaw and a toasted bun!

    What you'll need and why

    • Chicken breasts - we're using 4 boneless/skinless for our shredded chicken
    • BBQ sauce - I used Heinz Kansas City BBQ sauce. It's sweet and smoky and quite thick in consistency, but use your favorite or what you've got in stock. If you're not a fan of a sweeter flavor, I wouldn't use a Kansas-style BBQ sauce.
    • Onion powder, garlic powder, chili powder - my signature seasoning mix to infuse so much savory taste
    • Worcestershire sauce - it's one of my not-so-secret ingredients to enhance the umami flavor of sauces. I wouldn't skip it if I were you!
    • Brown sugar - to balance it all out with a hint of sweetness and caramelization and to thicken up the sauce a bit

    How to make Crockpot BBQ chicken

    This is an overview with step-by-step photos. Full ingredients & instructions are in the recipe card below.

    mixing up sauce in a glass bowl for crockpot bbq chicken

    To a bowl, add the BBQ sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, chili powder, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar. Mix it together thoroughly.

    slow cooker bbq chicken before and after being shredded

    Place the chicken breasts in your Crockpot, and then pour the sauce over the chicken. Coat the chicken in the sauce fully. I use tongs to make it easier. Cook on high for 3-4 hours or low for 6-7 hours, and then shred the chicken with two forks. That's it!

    Substitutions and variations

    • While we prefer chicken breasts, you can definitely use chicken thighs instead.
    • Add a drop or two of liquid smoke for an even richer, deeper smoky flavor.
    • Or add in some cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or hot sauce if you want the chicken to have some kick to it.

    What to serve with it

    • Try serving it on a sesame or brioche bun with this Best Coleslaw recipe and some pickle slices.
    • Want an extra crunch? Throw in some potato chips right into the sandwich for a fun twist!
    • My Easy Macaroni Salad and some Cajun Grilled Corn on the Cob would go great on the side.
    • If you're making this for a potluck, don't forget to bring along a batch of Classic Deviled Eggs.

    Leftovers and storage

    • This BBQ pulled chicken makes fantastic leftovers that will last for 3-5 days in the fridge in an airtight container.
    • It will also keep well in the freezer. This can be frozen for up to 3 months, and I recommend storing portions in individual containers so that you can make up new sandwiches anytime you're craving one!
    • One of my go-to ways to use up leftovers is making lettuce wraps if I've run out of buns.

    Try these sandwiches next

    • Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Sandwiches
    • The Best Chicken Burgers
    • Easy Sloppy Joe Recipe
    • Easy Ground Turkey Burgers Recipe
    • Instant Pot BBQ Chicken
    Crockpot shredded BBQ chicken close-up in slow cooker

    I hope you'll love these addictive BBQ chicken sandwiches! Leave a star rating and review below if you made this recipe.

    Crockpot BBQ chicken in a bun with coleslaw

    Crockpot BBQ Chicken

    This Crockpot BBQ chicken recipe has tender pulled chicken that's coated in a delicious sweet and smoky BBQ sauce. It's quick to prepare in just 10 minutes and makes the best sandwiches!
    4.72 from 7 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Saved!
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 3 hours hrs 30 minutes mins
    Total Time 3 hours hrs 40 minutes mins
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine American
    Servings 6
    Calories 307 kcal
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients
     

    • 2 pounds chicken breasts (about 4 large) boneless skinless
    • 1.5 cups BBQ sauce use your favorite
    • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
    • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
    • 1 teaspoon chili powder
    • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
    • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
    • For serving: buns, coleslaw, etc.

    Instructions
     

    • Place the chicken breasts in your slow cooker.
    • Add everything except for the chicken to a bowl and stir it together until smooth.
    • Pour the sauce over the chicken and toss so it's well coated. Cover and cook on high for 3-4 hours (I do 3.5 hours) or on low for 6-7 hours.
    • Shred the chicken right in the slow cooker using two forks, then stir it so it's coated in the sauce. If needed, and some salt & pepper prior to serving.

    Notes

    • Makes enough for about 6-8 sandwiches (or fewer if you really stuff them).
    • Shred the chicken as small or coarse as you prefer.
    • You may sub the chicken breasts for chicken thighs.
    • I own this Crockpot.
    • Here's the Instant Pot version of the recipe.
    • Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy only and should be construed as an estimate rather than a guarantee. Ingredients can vary and Salt & Lavender makes no guarantees to the accuracy of this information.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 307kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 33gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 97mgSodium: 944mgPotassium: 762mgFiber: 1gSugar: 26gVitamin A: 307IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 38mgIron: 1mg
    Keyword Crockpot BBQ Chicken, Crockpot Pulled Chicken, Crockpot Shredded BBQ Chicken, Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken
    Author Natasha Bull
    « Beef Taco Skillet
    Baked Chicken Spaghetti (with Rotel) »

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    1. Suzanne says

      July 15, 2023 at 2:26 AM

      May I have a recipe for cole slaw please.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        July 15, 2023 at 9:15 AM

        Here you go: https://bit.ly/3Og7vCf

        Reply
    2. Carla says

      July 4, 2023 at 7:46 AM

      This sounds great! Can you use frozen chicken?

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        July 4, 2023 at 10:36 AM

        Hi! It's not recommended for safety reasons to use frozen chicken in slow cooker recipes. Instant Pot (pressure cooker) yes.

        Reply
    3. MiaT says

      June 30, 2023 at 9:04 AM

      5 stars
      Perfect, easy & delicious! I used the bbq sauces I keep on hand & your slaw recipe was just the right touch.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        June 30, 2023 at 10:56 AM

        That's awesome!! 😀 Thanks for your review!

        Reply
    4. Georgina La Spina says

      June 23, 2023 at 3:44 AM

      Does the recipe include the bun and coleslaw?

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        June 23, 2023 at 10:21 AM

        Do you mean the recipe itself or the nutrition info? Neither include the bun or coleslaw as they can vary wildly in calories. If you're looking for a good coleslaw to serve with it, I linked mine in the "what to serve with it" section of the blog post. Re: the buns, I just pick up what looks good at the store. Hope you enjoy the recipe, Georgina! 🙂

        Reply
    5. Bailee says

      May 5, 2023 at 10:09 AM

      4 stars
      Can you use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken? can’t wait to make this!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        May 5, 2023 at 11:03 AM

        Hi! I wouldn't because you'd be putting already cooked chicken into the Crockpot and then letting it cook for hours... you'll end up with extremely dry chicken.

        Reply
    6. Marlayna says

      April 20, 2023 at 11:05 PM

      I’m making this for my daughters birthday party, it was so good when I tried the first time ! But I’m curious, there’s about 25 people coming and I was going to serve it on Hawaiian rolls, how much chicken should i make ? 8? 12? Help me please 😂😄

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        April 21, 2023 at 9:50 AM

        Hi!! So glad you enjoyed it. 🙂 Oh geez, I honestly never cook for large crowds, so it's tough to say haha. I would for sure at least double the recipe if not triple it. I think you could probably double it in one slow cooker but it may need a little more cooking time. If you need to triple it, I'd probably spread it over 2 slow cookers.

        Reply
        • Abby says

          August 3, 2023 at 10:06 AM

          5 stars
          If I double the recipe should I be doubling expected cook time?

          Reply
          • Natasha says

            August 3, 2023 at 10:16 PM

            Hi! I am not sure if you'd need to double it, but you may need to add on extra time. I'd check it after the suggested cook time and then see how done it is and adjust from there.

            Reply
    7. Courtney says

      October 23, 2022 at 4:06 AM

      5 stars
      I made this last night. It came out awesome! Sooo easy too! I made the Easy macaroni salad as well and it went great together! Will definitely make this again!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        October 23, 2022 at 10:42 AM

        I'm so happy to hear that, Courtney! 😀

        Reply
    8. Wendy Rogers says

      September 26, 2021 at 10:00 AM

      5 stars
      Such a great recipe! The flavor is 💥 my son and I really enjoyed this and it was so easy!! Thank you

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        September 26, 2021 at 10:40 AM

        You're welcome, Wendy!! I'm so happy to hear that. Thanks for taking the time to write me a review!

        Reply
    9. Liz says

      May 28, 2021 at 12:19 PM

      Do you have a coleslaw recipe to go with?

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        May 28, 2021 at 1:07 PM

        Yes! It's linked in the blog post... under the "what to serve with Crockpot pulled chicken" section 🙂

        Reply
    10. Regenia Goff says

      May 28, 2021 at 10:39 AM

      Sounds wonderful as do all of your recipes!! Who needs ribs???

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        May 28, 2021 at 11:03 AM

        Thank you!!

        Reply
    11. Caroline says

      May 24, 2021 at 12:24 PM

      4 stars
      Hi there! Another great recipe! I made this last night and enjoyed it very much! I used Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ sauce in original for it. The chicken smelled so good as it slow cooked and it did not disappoint!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        May 24, 2021 at 12:57 PM

        I'm thrilled to hear that, Caroline! Thanks for letting me know! 🙂

        Reply
    12. Demi says

      May 24, 2021 at 10:14 AM

      Made this tonight and instead of buns I used mini pita breads! It Was amazing! Thank you for always giving me such great dinner ideas which are always a hit and so delicious.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        May 24, 2021 at 11:15 AM

        Oh I love that!! I haven't had mini pitas in forever. And you're very welcome... so happy you're enjoying the recipes! XO 🙂

        Reply
    13. CATHY C TARR says

      May 23, 2021 at 11:48 AM

      5 stars
      This was terrific and easy. Thanks

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        May 23, 2021 at 2:16 PM

        You're very welcome!! Thanks so much for taking the time to review my recipe, Cathy! 🙂

        Reply

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    Hi! I'm Natasha. Salt & Lavender is a recipe blog with a focus on delicious comfort food using everyday ingredients. Beat the weekday grind with hundreds of easy-to-follow and hassle-free recipes!  Read more...

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